Omar-S is a producer/DJ who does everything against the grain. An artist like no other, his main interests are known to include street racing, video gaming, and synths to the point where, according to Marcellus Pittman, he is a “synth nerd”. He is an elusive character who is still relatively unknown despite over two decades on the scene.

His sets are unpredictable, and more a case of AOS doing what he wants, rather than what is expected of him – a trait that is often appreciated by those who go to his gigs. While this trait often transfers to his later mixes (a “retro, upbeat and electro” mix for XLR8R and “The first FXHE radio show” for RA500), in my opinion his greatest are his early promos. These are still available via his website on what looks like a CD burned on a home PC, and titled by hand.

The pick of the bunch is FYA Detroit #1, with AOS at his best switching between a range of sounds with ease. It includes classics such as Theo Parrish – Solitary Flight, as well as some lesser known gems such as Mr V – The Loving Memory. As with many Omar-S recordings, there is little easing into the groove as he mixes Jerome Sydenham & Dennis Ferrer’s – Timbuktu (Pan African Electro Dub) into the beautiful upbeat house track by Franck Roger, Feelin’ With You. The middle segment has a more relaxed feel with spacier tracks such as John Dahlbäck – Wonder and Materie-Beschleuniger – Bass Is Eternal, being showcased. He then gently increases the intensity towards the end of the mix before ending on the classic Model 500 – No UFO’s. Recorded at Robert Johnson, the mix typifies Omar-S as a DJ. Unpredictable and great in equal measure.

Next Mantissa Party

Laska & Peach
Tom Allman b2b Jambo

Friday 2nd March 2018
BAR A BAR
London
N16 8BT

Tom Allman and James Acquaye Nortey-Glover showcase a wide range of genres through their mixes, every week brings a little something different. Featuring guest mixes from DJs from around the country and beyond.

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